The University of Southern Mississippi celebrated Founders’ Day 2015 on the Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campuses with the awarding of service pins, recognition of academic achievement among students and the installation of Student Government Association officers.

Faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends of Southern Miss gathered on Monday, March 30 to celebrate the 105th anniversary of the University’s legislative founding.

After making its three-week voyage from San Jose, Calif. through the Panama Canal and into the Gulf of Mexico, The University of Southern Mississippi’s newest research vessel, the Point Sur, has made its way to its new home at the Port of Gulfport.

More than 30 Southern Miss faculty, staff, and students, as well as Port of Gulfport representatives, greeted the Point Sur upon arrival into the Port on Sunday (March 29) afternoon.

Researchers at The University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory have spent decades studying soft-shell blue crabs. The research has led to the development of one of just two blue crab hatcheries in the U.S.

The University of Southern Mississippi, which is focused on creating a caring and civil community for all, will host Civility Week March 31 – April 2 on the Gulf Park campus in Long Beach. The theme, “Uphold the Black and Gold,” will promote the university’s demonstration of respect for others and the true Golden Eagle values of students, faculty and staff.

On April 1, The University of Southern Mississippi Food Research Group will host the semester’s final event of the series, “The Culinary Communities of Mississippi: Farm, Table and Campus.” The series has explored how we cook, eat and grow food in Mississippi.

WUSM-FM, 88.5 Southern Miss Radio, will host its 5th annual golf tournament, A Round for Roots Radio, on Monday, April 27, at Canebrake Country Club in Hattiesburg, Miss. Robert St. John will be chairing the tournament for the second time since its creation.

By demonstrating a commitment to professional excellence in policy and practice, the University of Southern Mississippi’s Police Department has been awarded national accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA®).

Ellen Ruffin serves as an associate professor and curator for University Libraries at the University of Southern Mississippi, and is passionate about the unique items that can be found in its renowned de Grummond Children's Literature Collection.